[SplitPoly]

Hello,

My wife and I just purchased an 03 WJ 4.0 with 4wd. We really like the truck and are looking forward to new adventures. It'll be a dd, but we want it to be a functional 4x4 if we ever need it to be.

Here's the Jeep:



We purchased the Jeep because one of our other cars was stolen. The police found it 2 days later in an old church parking lot. It was stripped and abandonded... Probably one of the most frustrating things I've ever dealt with...

It was a 97 Acura Integra GSR

Here are pictures of the recovery:

http://www.rickleffler.com/car

So... we got the Jeep last Friday and have enjoyed driving it.

Our other vehicle is an 05 Honda Accord. We opted for the 6cyl 6sp and love it.



About us:

My wife is a nurse. She's currently in grad school and studying to become a CRNA. (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist)

I am just finishing grad school. I went to a small private school and studied 3d animation. I like rigging, modeling, animating, and video games... So, I went to the Savannah College of Art and Design and got a masters in Video Game design... I was able to work with EA on Madden 09 and a few projects that aren't released yet. I am also working on a project for the Mighty 8th Air Force Museum in Savannah, GA. I am currently modeling B24 bombers for an interactive project they're trying to set up.

My thesis work is on the different production pipelines for video game creation and it's allowed me to meet some really cool people.

Anyway, I have 2 classes left, but since I'm in Texas now, I'll finish them up online.

A few questions:

Before I bought it, I took it to the local Jeep dealer and had them do a pre-buy inspection. They said that it was in great shape but that it needed a tune-up. The tech also said that the transmission and differential fluid needed to be changed since there was no log of when that last happened.

So... I searched on these forums and a little on Google. I found a document that walks me through the process. It is here:

http://www.4x4xplor.com/trannyservice.html

How close is this to my vehicle? Fluids, amounts, and tools all the same? I'd like to do the work myself and save $150 per differential... (quoted to me by dealership) Also, is there a synthetic that will work?

Also, when I replace spark plugs, do I need to do anything special with the coil packs? Or can I just move them out of the way and treat them like normal spark plug wires?

List of future mods:

2.5" Lift (KevinsOffRoad) http://www.kevinsoffroad.com/wj/wj_25kit.html
or
2" BB with shocks http://www.redrock4x4.com/shop/products/1579.html

Air Intake http://www.car-stuff.com/carparts/jeepgrandcherokee19992004k-and-nk33571526347032.html

Exhaust - any suggestions?

Wheels - Cragar Soft 8's or "D" Window Wheels

Tires - General Grabber AT 2 or BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO

Skid plates, trailer hitch, and tow hooks...



I think that's my "get done first" list. We'll see how it goes from there.

Anyway, I'm glad to meet all of you. I have had great luck with other forums I've been involved with (http://vwvortex.com). I'm looking forward to the forum community.

Thanks a lot,

- Rick

[Ridin' Around]

Rick, Welcome to the Forum. Sorry about the GSX, but now you have one of my personal favorite vehicles!! As far as Synthetic lubes for the Diffs, & Tranny, I can help with that. The diffs are easy, Pop the covers drain, flush and reseal then refill. The trans is a little different if you are switching to Synthetic. You will need the pan dropped to change the filter then find a shop that can do a flush and refill with your Synthetic fluid. Sometimes this takes some searching to find a shop that will work with you on that. They also may require a little extra fluid for the flush machine to make sure they get it all pumped back in. We have a good shop locally and he has been very helpful in getting all of my vehicles done and takes care of several of my local customers as well. I will put up a link to Amsoil's application guide which will give you the fluids you need and the capacities specific to your grand. I will also put up a link to our gear oil white paper that compares gear oils for the diffs. Take a look and let me know if I can help further, Gabe
http://www.amsoil.com/redirect.cgi?zo=1468345&page=appguide
https://www.amsoil.com/products/gearlubes/WhitePaper.aspx

[TIMXJ]

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